The current rate of population growth has raised concern about whether the watershed can sustain not only humans, but all of the living species that make up the Bay's ecosystem.
As more people move into the Bay watershed, development of new homes, roads and businesses continues. Changes to our landscape can have severe impacts on the health of our streams, rivers and the Bay.
Impervious surfaces are paved or hardened surfaces that do not allow water to pass through. Roads, rooftops, sidewalks, pools, patios and parking lots are all impervious surfaces.
Any precipitation in an urban or suburban area that does not evaporate or soak into the ground, but instead pools and travels downhill, is considered stormwater—also referred to as urban stormwater or runoff.
Land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is used in many different ways, from high-density cities to sprawling suburbs to diverse types of agriculture. The way we live and use the land greatly influences the health of the Bay and its network of streams and rivers.
As development continues to spread across the Bay watershed, people are living in outlying areas and traveling greater distances by car to reach work, school and shopping centers.